Weekly News Briefs - 2 July 2026

Have Your Say on the Future of the Lockyer Valley

Council is preparing a Growth Management Strategy to guide how the region may change and grow between now and 2046.

Your local knowledge is important, and we want to know what you think about where new homes and jobs should go, and what parts of your town should stay the same.

Take the survey now by visiting lockyervalley.engagementhub.com.au

Survey closes 2 August 2026.

Parks and Gardens update

Council crews have completed landscape maintenance throughout the region, including at Lake Apex and Littleton Park in Gatton, the Gatton CBD, and Fairways Park, Hatton Vale.

Furniture maintenance, including bollard, picnic table, and timber shelter maintenance was completed at Anzac Park, Bugler Park and Estate Park, Grantham; Dawson Phipps Park, Gatton; Cricket Grounds and Murphys Creek Road, Murphys Creek and the Forest Hill CBD.

Playground repairs, including the cleaning and topping up of sand in the long jump pit at the Laidley Recreation Reserve was also completed, in addition to tree maintenance requests and defects at 12 locations.

Data Breach Policy adopted

Council has adopted a Data Breach Policy, developed to outline the steps Council will take to respond to a data breach, including certain suspected or confirmed data breaches.

The policy aims to bolster Council’s broader commitment to cyber and information security governance.

The policy can be found on Council’s website.

Changes to Planning Scheme approved

Councillors have approved amendments to the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme.

At the June Council Meeting, Councillors approved to remove the requirement for electricity to be provided to development that is reconfiguring a lot in the rural zone.

Previously, the Planning Scheme required electricity to be provided to new rural lots within 500 metres of an existing reticulated supply. In September 2025, Council considered a change application for a boundary realignment and decided to remove the requirement for each lot to be connected to electricity.

The roll-out of renewable energy and landowners having access to alternative supplies of electricity (such as solar panels and home batteries) means it is now reasonable to consider removing the requirement for electricity to be provided to new rural lots within 500 metres of an existing reticulated supply.

These changes are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 and the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules.

Watercolour Workshop

If you’ve ever wanted to 'have a go' at creating a line and wash artwork, join artist Sharon Ross (Beyond the Brushstrokes: A Visual Collaboration) for a beginner-friendly Line and Wash Watercolour Workshop.

This workshop is a wonderful introduction to the world of watercolour painting. Line and wash is a beautiful technique where you begin with pen or ink drawing, then layer watercolour washes over the top. It’s all about embracing a loose, expressive style – perfection is not required!

Tickets $65 per person.

WHERE: Gatton Library

WHEN: Saturday 11 July

TIME: 10am-1pm

Bookings essential at https://tinyurl.com/bdez9fa9

Work for Council

If you're seeking permanent full-time work, check out our current vacancies:

• Procurement and Stores Officer
• Team Leader (Construction)
• Senior Planner
• Plumbing Inspector
• Payroll Officer
• Tourism Officer

These advertisements will close on Monday 13 July 2026 at 5pm.

For more information and to apply, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/current-vacancies

Get Ready Day is back for 2026

Join us at Ferrari Park, Laidley on Sunday 2 August from 10am to 2pm to:

• Meet real-life heroes from emergency services and local agencies
• Learn about hazards that can impact you here in the Lockyer Valley
• Discover simple, practical ways you and your family can prepare and stay safe
• Participate in interactive activities and exciting challenges
• And have the chance to win great prizes

For further event details, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/get-ready-day-2026